another donkey design

World in a Box Update - Construction Land

2012-02-23T15:56:00.000+11:00

A quick round up of the dinosaurs from Dino World in a Box and a quick drop in of some trucks has created Construction World in a Box. Too easy - and more minutes of fun!
Anyone else tried this one yet?

Times they are a changing.... I am baking

2012-02-23T09:35:00.000+11:00

I used to be the friend who made the cakes from the Woman's Weekly Cook Book for all my friends birthdays, but eventually I got sick of baking cakes which were mediocre at best due to a dodgy oven (or at least I blame the oven). So when the grill finally died on our oven (it was the only part I was still using) - it was time to bring in a new one. And it appears my baking mojo also got delivered with the oven because I have caught the baking itch. In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have baked 2 cakes and one batch of cookies. The cookies are Chewy Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies (part brownie, part cheesecake, part cookie) from the latest Real Living Magazine. Normally i don't even look at the receipes, but times they are a changing apparently!

Next up is a baked chicken. Would you believe i have never cooked one before.... off to call my mum for some advice on what the hell I am meant to do with it.

Sleeping babies - when is it boasting?

2012-02-22T10:45:00.000+11:00

Photo of Emily by Hayley Grace Photography

Is it just me or are there other mums out there who have been afraid to talk about how well their kids are sleeping for fear of it being taken as boasting or for fear of making others feel bad? Here's the thing - my darling baby girl, who turned six weeks last Sunday, slept through the night 5 out of 7 nights over the past week. When I say slept through the night, she has finally gone down just before 9pm (she refuses to sleep between 6pm and 9/10pm for some reason), had a dream feed at 10.30 and then she has slept through til 6 or 7 am. Now personally I think this is bloody brilliant of her and has nothing to do with anything i have done, but when people ask me how she is sleeping i simply say, "she is pretty good" as i don't want to be seen as bragging. It was the same with labour - I was lucky, small baby and all, and it wasn't too horrendous, yet I feel almost guilty when I tell people this.

Are there others out there who have felt this way? If someone told you there kid was sleeping through would you see it as bragging? Or is it just me? Should we not be celebrating each others luck even if it does make us a little jealous?

PS - little miss conveniently woke up for a 3.30am feed last night so I won't have the dilema at mothers group today as to whether or not to say she is sleeping through the night. Very thoughtful of her, and it did give me an excuse to watch Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Dino World in a Box

2012-02-21T10:50:00.001+11:00

Now that I am a full time SAHM, I am trying to make more of an effort to organise some activities for my son for the 2 days during the week he is not at little school. As much as I try and get him out of the house as much as possible (at the moment we are going to the park twice a day) - there are of course times when you just can't leave the house and the toddler needs entertaining (particularly when breastfeeding!). So of course i turned to the multitude of ideas I have pinned on Pinterest for inspiration. The idea of a sensory bin is in no ways new - but it was the dinosaurs which caught my eye (not least because we have exactly the same dino's) in this one created by Play Create Explore

Image via Play Create Explore

So a quick scan of the house had me come up with an old fruit box, some old fish tank stones, landscaping stones and toilet rolls and here is the end result. I probably could do with some more stones but it was the best I could come up with at 10pm the night before.

Come the 3.00pm feed, I pulled it from it's hiding place in the laundry and set it down on the living room floor - and the smile (which of course i didn't catch on camera) went from ear to ear on my son, and best of all kept him entertained during the feed.
The next morning he pulled it out again, removed all the dino's and made it an undersea world with all his fish and sea creatures. I have visions of creating a whole bunch of worlds including farms, towns, under the sea, and train world for future feeding times. Will let you all know how i go. In the meantime i have a huge assortment of ideas pinned on my Pinterst board DIY - Kids Stuff and Activities to keep me going for the next 50 years. Feel free to check it out and try some out yourself. Be sure to come back and let me know how you went.

Introducing Miss Emily Harriet

2012-02-20T09:56:00.000+11:00

So here are the promised photos of our beautiful baby girl. The details - she was born on the 8th January 2012, 2.75kg (I make small babies apparently), 48.5 cm long.

Baby fresh in hospital

Sleeping like a baby in hospital

Hanging out at Nanny's

Camoflage baby

Big brother shares his most prescious toys

Pretty in Pink this week

So there you have it. We have had some professional shots done as well when she was only about 10 days old which I will blog about soon. In the meantime - I hope you enjoy these happy snaps (culled from 100's!)

A New Approach to 2012

2012-02-16T15:53:00.000+11:00

Calendar print by Handz on Etsy

Firstly - a very belated Happy 2012!!!

Confession time - I have been avoiding blogging. Not that i have had a lot of time to blog with welcoming a new baby girl to our family in early January, but time issues aside, i have been reluctant to blog. Why? It is not for lack of things to write about - but more a fear that if i write about the things that are currently interesting me I might disappoint my readers. Being well and truly in baby / toddler land at present, my days consist of why won't my baby sleep to looking for activities to try and entertain my very energetic two year old son, and cute kids products I find on line (what else am i meant to do during the 3am feeding except shop on my phone!). I still love looking at pretty stationery and design things on line - but it is not my only focus at the moment. So hence my lack of blogging.

After I realised on the weekend why i hadn't been blogging - i soon came to the decision - bugger it! I am going to blog about what I want to, and hopefully my readers will like the new direction - if not, I won't be offended if you decide to leave me, but i do hope you stay and that i find some new readers along the way.

Ok - moving on. Earlier this week I had another "ahah" moment. i was reading some blogs looking for inspiration to entertain my 2 year old and i read somewhere (sorry can't remember the exact blog) about how important it is to let your kids get dirty. I am not a germaphobic parent by any means (my son rarely looks clean!) but i have been reluctant to do dirty / messy activities in order to avoid the inevitable cleaning up. But in an attempt to be less of a rigid parent (that's a whole other blog post!) I didn't stop my son at the park when he wanted to play in the dirt and mud puddles. And do you know what - we had a great time and the only implication was we had a bath before dinner when we got home and not after - not exactly earth shattering! He got to play unrestricted and I got to enjoy watching him do it.

So - the moral of the story - let them eat mud pie - you will both enjoy it! and let them test their climbing skills even if it gives you heart palpitations

And yes - I will be posting some pics of my beautiful new baby girl soon!

The Babies Room

2012-01-05T15:54:00.000+11:00

I know I said I wasn't going to blog for a bit - but before I take my break, I thought I would quickly share the babies new room with you all. As we are not finding out whether we are having a boy or a girl I have had to go neutral for now, and then once bubs arrives, I have my eye on a whole bunch of prints for the main wall.

First off is a cloud mobile made from some fabric I bought over a year ago with no particular project in mind, and a branch that i found washed up on the beach at Copa when I was away on a girls weekend last year. The plan is to hang it from a eye hook in the ceiling, but as that requires husbands assistance it is taking a little time!

My inspiration for this mobile came from Jolie Momes Factory blog.

Next up is the family photo wall above the cot

And lastly an ABC gardland to fill the main wall until I decide on some prints

(This garland will be available to buy in my etsy store as a DIY kit in the next month or so - keep an eye out).

So there you have it - if you want to see what the room looked like when it was my son's first room - you can check out my post on it here. I also have a pinterest board dedicated to my fav kids room ideas - I have so many ideas and things i want to try.

My One New Years Resolution for 2012

2012-01-04T16:09:00.000+11:00

2012 Resolution Notebook by iloveitall on etsy

First post of 2012 - best make it a resolutions one. I am not a huge one for resolutions- not sure why - just never really got into it. But last year I did make some (see the post here) - and I would say I did pretty well at getting through them. As expected the "exercise once a week" never got off the ground (unless running after after a one year old some counts - surely it does), but I would say I did achieve the "spend more time outside as a family".

So what's up for 2012 - well I am not going to make a list this year (as much as i love ticking things off lists) - but I will make one:

To be the best mum I can be to my son and our soon (very very soon) to join us second child. And above all - to be honest about it.

What do I mean be honest about it? Recently I had a very close friend comment that I make pregnancy look easy and I appear to breeze through it. Yes i have been very lucky in that my pregnancy has had no complications and having small babies also helps particularly in the last few months. That is not to say it has been easy though - most days I would come home so exhausted from work, I was hanging for my 5pm nap whenever possible, I had some serious moments of irrational bitchiness to my husband, tears for no reason more often than I care to remember, short patience with the world and did I mention I have been exhausted for the last 9 months. So why did i hide this side of my pregnancy from my closest friends. I honestly don't know. So - hence 2012 is going to be a year about being honest in my role as a mother. When someone asks how I am, I am not going to breeze over it and say - good thanks, how are you.

So that's my resolution. Any you care to share?

PS - i will be awol for the next couple of weeks - due to baby stuff (as in having it and surviving the first few weeks), but promise to be back soon! In the meantime I will be hanging out on facebook - so make sure to stop by for any baby annoucements and to say hello.

My Creative Space - Beanbags & Magnets

2011-12-15T12:49:00.000+11:00

I have gone a little hand made crazy this Christmas and I must admit I am really looking forward to giving these presents to my little man come Christmas morning.

First of the rank are these bean bags which I first started in November (see my blog post here) and I finally finished them last week.

I used this tutorial by Chez Beeper Bebe but also ended up putting the rice in a plastic bag before i sewed them in - just in case they ended up in the bath (not sure how but you never know) or need a bit of a touch clean.

Next on the list was some Toy Story Magnets - my son is such a fan of Toy Story so I know he will enjoy these.

The inspiration also came from a Chez Beeper Bebe tutorial and were super easy to make. All I did was find some images on line (the disney site is great for this), resized them, printed them on my home computer, attached them to adhesive magnets i picked up from Riot Art Store and gave them a coat of modge podge. Too easy!

Next on the list is a game of magnetic fish - but I have still to make the fishing pole and hook - so will wait until I have finished before i post about these.

What handmade goodies have you whipped up this Christmas? I would love to hear about them.

Wordless Wednesday - It's the time of year for silly photos

2011-12-14T14:01:00.000+11:00

This last one is courtesy of my graphic design brother - what do you think - is there a market for doctored santa photos?
Joining in with Wordless Wednesday with Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love and My Little Drummer Boys

Food Post - Festive Watermelon

2011-12-09T11:05:00.000+11:00

For those that know me (and I hope a lot of you are getting to know me) you will know I am not a bit cooking inclined - but every now and then something catches my eye and I think - i could do that, and I may even want to do that. So when i saw this image on Pinterest I thought it would make a great summer Christmas dessert.

Image via Wit & Whistle

I tried this out during the week with the idea of using the star shape watermelon on the fruit skewers at my son's birthday party this weekend- worked a treat - but I would recommend using a half / whole watermelon and not a quarter as you would end up with less wastage.

Stocking Stuffer Facebook Sale - Final one for the Year

2011-12-08T12:16:00.001+11:00

Due to a certain second child making an appearance in early January - I am shutting down my Another Donkey Design stores (both Made It and Etsy) from the 13th December 2011 until some time in the new year. As a thank you to all you lovely followers and purchasers, I am having one final facebook sale to clear out my remaining stocks and one lucky purchaser will get their pack of Magnet Pegs for FREE. These Peg it Ups have been super popular in the last few weeks because they make great (and inexpensive) stocking stuffers, teachers presents or office workers presents

Here's the nitty-gritty on how the auction will work:

1. Auction starts TONIGHT (Thursday 8th December 2011) at 8pm on my another donkey design facebook page and ends 8pm Sunday 11th December 2011.
2. Only 8 packs of Magnet Pegs ($5.50 each + $2.20 P&H) are available - and you can choose from any of the designs in the photo below (1-9). Please note in the comments section: sold, how many packs you want and which designs below the photo in facebook.
3. Once all 8 packs have been sold - I will randomly select one purchaser to receive one pack for free. This will only apply if all 8 packs are sold out
4. Payment can be made by Paypal or direct deposit and all purchaser will be posted from Sydney by Wednesday 14th December 2011 (or once payment clear), with tons of time to reach you by Christmas (australia only).

Magnet Peg It Ups - Perfect for attaching bills, invittations, permission slips, receipes (i could go on but i am sure you get the idea) to your fridge or magnetic pin board.

This pack contains:• 4 x pegs – one side covered in washi japanese tape • 2 very strong magnets are attached to each peg.

These magnets are so super strong, they can easily hold up to 15 sheets of paper and WILL NOT SLIDE DOWN YOUR FRIDE OR FALL OFF! If you don't believe me - try them and if you are not happy with them I will refund your money on return of product.

5. I have also included my lifestyle and office pegs in the sale - only $5.75 + $2.20 P&H.

Lifestyle and Office Peg It Ups - Help you be more organised at home and in the office. Each pack contains:
• 7 x natural timber coloured pegs with “lifestyle and office” sayings on one side:• Pegs Measure approx 6.9cm x 0.9cm x 1.3cm • Comes all beautifully packaged together in a clear cellophane bag all beautifully packaged together in a clear cellophane bag

And while I have you - There are only 5 more packs of my Chalkboard Gift Tags available in my Made It store here

Chalkboard Gift Tags – suitable for any occasion as you get to decide on the message or picture. Use them for presents, wine tags, wedding decorations or even to organise your kitchen and home storage.

Each tag has a chalkboard finish on both sides, measures 60 x 118mm and comes with beautiful red and white bakers twine. Simple write your message, and if you want to change it, wipe it with a lightly wet cloth and you have a blank tag again!

This pack of 4 comes beautifully packaged in a clear cello wrapper with a piece of chalk to get you started

Thanks again for making it a successful year for Another Donkey Design and I look forward to re-opening in early 2012 with lots of new lovely goodies.

My Creative Space - Xmas Wrapping

2011-12-08T12:14:00.000+11:00

This week I have been busy finishing off my Christmas presents for my girlfriends (sorry no pics to show you in case any little donkeys are reading this blog!) and wrapping them.

This is the first year I have ever done handmade presents, and whilst they are by no means perfect - there is definately a sence of satisfaction in knowing they are one of a kind and the effort that went into them. Handmade all the way!!!

For more creative spaces - head over to Our Creative Spaces

Wordless Wednesday - Such a Busy Weekend for a Little Boy

2011-12-07T10:40:00.001+11:00

For more Wordless Wednesday's - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love and My Little Drummer Boys

My Creative Space - Xmas Card Swap

2011-12-01T09:01:00.000+11:00

I am taking part in One Craftee Mumma's Christmas Card Swap over on Swap-Bot this year, so last night saw me madly making some christmas cards before the deadline!

These cards will be winging their way to France, Germany and the United States over the next few days.
Do you still send Christmas Cards or are you more of a Christmas email type person now?
For more Creative Spaces head over to Our Creative Space

Yes Please, Thank You - Waxed Canvas Tote

2011-11-30T14:36:00.000+11:00

How absolutly gorgeous is this waxed canvas tote by Peg and Awl on Etsy ($190)

Call me untraditional, but I think these would make an excellent nappy bag (hint hint nudge nudge!).

While you are over at Peg and Awl - be sure to check out their other great wares including this super cute kiddie top ($18)

and this reclaimed wood candle block fish set ($45) (what can i say - my husband loves fish!)

Yes Please Thank You

My Creative Space

2011-11-24T12:05:00.001+11:00

A day like today (grey, raining and cold) I really wish i was at home in my trackies and ugg boots creating away instead of sitting in an office surfing the web for cool things I could be making. Top of my to make list right now is:


Sheep pillow by Purl Bee - My son calls them Baa's and refuses to say Sheep


My little man is 2 next month so this Birthday shirt vai I can teach my child is perfct!

Some little man pants via Made

10 minute pencil roll via My Poppet - perfect for travelling over the silly season

I have been able to squeeze in some crafting time at night over the last week- and have whipped up another pair of shorts for my son - this time to be worn out in public (no photo sorry - it is too wet and cold in Sydney right now for shorts!) and I have been working on some Christmas presents for my girlfriends (sorry can't share the details yet just in case they read this blog!).

I have also been working on some counting cards for my son. I looked high and low for some that I could buy online but couldn't find any that met exactly what I was after - being recognisable pictures, and then the number in both letters and numerals - so I made my own with my trusty laminator (I splurged and bought myself a laminator last week!)

I am now working on colour cards (but need some sunny weather to take some more photos)

They are by no means perfect but nothing my son will complain about (just his slightly OCD mother). I am also waiting to pick up a book I ordered on snapfish filled with photos of my son's favourite things (birthday present).

Have you been up to any exciting crafting lately? Head over to Our Creative Space for some inspiration

Don't you just love those days....

2011-11-23T15:42:00.000+11:00

Don't you just love those days when you wake up and you get good news, and it just sets the tone of your whole outlook for the day? After a rather crappy day yesterday (33 weeks pregnant, tired, emotional, sick 2 year old who woke up at 5.30 and then held me under house arrest by not letting me change his PJs all day- I could go on but you get the idea) I was delighted to read my emails (in bed) this morning to find two great pieces of news.

Firstly my Airmail Magnetic Pegs were featured in this great airmail themed wedding round up on Emmaline Bride - the Wedding Guide for the Handmade Bride

And secondly I won a competition over on tickle the imagination magazine for a Mollydag Made handmade wooden children's game. I think i am going to have to choose the Wooden Memory Game - Animal Menagerie because whilst my little man may be a little young for the memory side of it - I have no doubt it will be great for learning animal names and matching pictures.

Mollydag Made have heaps of other beautiful looking games and at great priced (perfect stocking stuffers or presents for nieces and nephews).

So - whilst the outlook out my window is not a pretty sight at the moment (seriously 19 degress at the end of November!) - things are looking pretty good.

Wordless Wednesday - a busy weekend

2011-11-23T10:56:00.000+11:00

Clontarf Beach - hunting for starfish

Setting up House after a slight relocation

Helping Dad demolish the old swing chair

Mmmm - icecream cake (and don't hold the party hat against me)

For more Wordless Wednesdays - head over to Faith Hope and A Whole Lotta Love

Bonds Online

2011-11-21T11:07:00.000+11:00

This is a bit of an unsual post for me as those that know me, would know I am not really into clothes, or fashion. But when I heard Bonds were now online I got just a little bit excited - their products are often hard to find - and with free shipping at the moment - you can't go wrong. Their collection is huge - so grab a cup of coffee and have a trawl of their new site.

Some of my fav's:

I am also liking the look of their maternity bras - but figured you probably don't need to see pictures of these!
What's your favourite Bond's product?

Yes Please Thank You - Lanterns and Elastics

2011-11-18T11:43:00.000+11:00

Couple of quick "yes please thank you"'s that caught my eye yesterday:

Jumping Elastics (oh the memories!) from Poppet in the Post - only $5.00 (great stocking stuffer)


Paper Lantern - Carnival Stripe Pack of 6 - 25cm dia lanterns from Sweet Style - $14.95 25cm dia

The lanterns have inspired me to give these DIY paper lanterns a go to add some interest to my sons new big boy room's ceiling - off to raid my paper stock.

Image and DIY via The Creative Place

My Creative Space - Summer PJ's

2011-11-17T09:41:00.000+11:00

My creative endevours this week have branched into the children's clothing realm - PJ's to be more exact. It was time for the flannels to be retired (both because they are now too small and it was way too hot) so i whipped up some PJ's for my son. When i say whipped up - i mean i read a bunch of tutorials online, books, consulted with my mum, and eventally came up with my own pattern from another pair of his shorts - and here are the results:

I have to admit I am a little chuffed with myself! I am even considering making some summer shorts for him to wear outside the safety of our house. For more Creative Spaces - head over here
(PS - self promotion - i am having a 48 hour facebook sale (end Friday) for some new gift tags i have been working on - you can check out my facebook sale here)

Red Letter Studio Sale

2011-11-16T14:11:00.000+11:00

I know - 3 blog posts in one day! But I had to share Red Letter Studio 50% off sale on their madeit and etsy store. You might even recognise some of their prints from my sons first bedroom room (see post here)

(Sail Away A4 Art Print - on sale for only $10)

(Float Away A4 Art Print - on sale for only $10)

Lots of other lovely prints and cards in store at bargain prices - but don't wait too long and miss out!

Cheeky 48 Hour Facebook Sale - Starting Tonight

2011-11-16T13:08:00.000+11:00

I am having a cheeky 48 hour facebook sale starting tonight (Wednesday) at 8pm (AEST) for some (I had a blonde moment) fabric gift tags and some new stamped gift tags I have been working on (thanks to some amazing stamps by Nora Jane).

Pack of 8 Stamped Christmas Gift Tags on heavy duty card stock - $6.00 + $1.00 P&H

(2 of each design, blank on rear for message. Tags measure 12cm x 6xm)

Four Little Duckies Stamped Gift Tags on heavy duty card stock - pack of 4 - $3.00 + $1.00 P&H

(tag on the left with one little duckie is the rear, tag on right is the front. Tags measure 12cm x 6cm)

10 pack of Fabric swing tags plus 10 metres red and white twine and 10 metres of green and white twine

- $8.50 + $1.20 P&H - ONLY 3 packs available.

(tags measure approx 4.5cm diameter)

Be sure to swing by my facebook page for all updates and to take part in the sale.

Wordless Wednesday - Beach Soccer

2011-11-16T09:59:00.001+11:00

For more Wordless Wednesday's head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Kids Room Inspiration

2011-11-11T14:37:00.000+11:00

My son's room is now all but done (except for the towels and fabric over the windows because we realised at the last minute we really needed block out blinds not shear) and he has moved in to his new abode. However... that has not stopped me collecting kids room inspiration on pinterest. Some of my highlights from the last week.

Car Wall decal by Love Mae on Etsy

Chalkboard Wall Treatment via Project Nursury

Hacking the IKEA Lack table for ikea via Apartment Therapy

Mini window treatment bunting via Kick Can and Bonkers

and Robot cushion from Tiges and Weince on Etsy

Full pics and details of my sons room coming soon - just need to find the time to take photos in the daylight when he is not trying to steal my camera! In the meantime you can check out my Pinterest board dedicated to Kids Room Inspirations

My Creative Space - Fabric Gift Tags

2011-11-10T10:33:00.000+11:00

My Creative Space this week has involved lots and lots and lots of fabric gift tags for a store down in Melbourne who uses them to display prices (gotta love repeat orders) - but they would also make great Xmas Gift Tags

And I did have a totally blonde moment last night when I thought i hadn't made enough, so made some more, only to find another pile next to me on the couch! Ooops! Good news is I will having a quick cheeky facebook sale in the next few days for the extra overs. Make sure you follow another donkey design on facebook for all the updates.
Fore more creative spaces and inspiration - head over to Our Creative Space

yes please, thank you - be still my stationery loving heart

2011-11-09T13:51:00.000+11:00

For those that have met me in person - you may have noticed I have a slight bangle obsession. Couple this with my stationery obsessions and I soooo want one of these vintage ruler bangles. Available from JacQ on etsy

Also available in inches if you are on that side of the world.

Yes Please Thank You (PS can someone please tell my husband about these ones!)

Etsy Love - Little Lion Studio

2011-11-08T14:58:00.000+11:00

I am loving these over sized vinyl wall decals for kids room by Little Lion Studio- nothing like a statement piece to make a room

And while you are there - make sure you check out these great print sets too!

Sewing Inspiration - Bibs, Shoes and Pinafores

2011-11-07T12:58:00.000+11:00

Some sewing inspiration for any budding sewers out there (or people like me who just like to look at what I "could" but never find the time too!)

Quilted bib pattern and tutoria by Sew She Sews

Little Man Shoes by Schwin and Schwin

Pinafore Dress Pattern by Smashed Peas and Carrots

Have you come across any great sewing tutorials lately which I can add to my ever growing Pinterest board dedicated to sewing inspiration? Leave me a comment below with a link!

My Creative Space

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000+11:00

This week my creative space has involved:

Counting Bean Bags - I have only made the one so far but i am hoping to make 6 with 1-6 on one side and my sons name on the other. For how to instructions head over to Chez Beeper Bebe

Finishing my sons big boy bed doona cover (well it is 98% finished)

Painting with my son. Check out yesterday's post for the action photos (PS - the truck tracks idea came from play school!)

For more Creative Spaces and inspiration - head over to Our Creative Space

Wordless Wednesday - Backyard Painting

2011-11-02T10:19:00.000+11:00

For more Wordless Wednesday's - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Etsy Love - Stephanie Fizer Coleman

2011-11-01T09:27:00.000+11:00

These little guys by Stephanie Fizer Coleman on Etsy just make me smile

At only $10 for a 5 x 7 print - you could easily do a whole series of them on your little mans wall

Activities for Kids Round Up

2011-10-28T11:28:00.000+11:00

Sorry for missing my regular Activities for kids round up post last Friday - can I blame baby brain now that the secret it out? Anyway - a round up of some great kiddie activities I have found around the web this week:

Marshmellow shooter via Come Together Kids

Obstacle Course for Kids via Under the Sycamore - check out this link for more beautiful photos of this great Mud Run Party

DIY Display Spy Books via Delia Creates

A quiet toy via Peaceful Parenting

Cardboard town / baby in a box via The Imagination Tree

Our plans for the weekend? A council / community meeting about a proposed development we are all very anti (!), finishing a quilt cover for my little mans big boy room (i am being positive and saying I will finish it and not just work on it!), a trip to the toy store to trial run a bike we are looking at for my little man's Xmas present (gotta love when they are still at an age where he won't be disappointed if he doesn't get it!) and hopefully a few naps for me. Oh and sawing down the legs on a bed I bought on ebay that is just way to tall even for me, let alone my little man.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Pear

2011-10-27T15:57:00.000+11:00

Just loved the pic and wanted to share

(image and receipe for Pear Crisp with Pecan Brown Sugar Topping from Creature Comfort Blog)

My Creative Space - Big Boy Room Sneak Peak

2011-10-27T11:44:00.001+11:00

The last week has largely been spent pulling together my sons new big boy room - and whilst it is not all complete I thought I would share some sneak peaks of what I have been up to.

(inspiration via here and here)

Inspiration for a quilt cover which hopefully I will get done on the weekend (inspiration via My Poppet where you can purchase these gorgeous little houses)

For more Creative Spaces - head over to Our Creative Spaces

yes please, thank you - Polar Project

2011-10-26T10:40:00.000+11:00

Loving these cards from Polar Project:

Available with lots others from Polar Project's Etsy store here (cards only US$3.30 and high five postcard only US$1.65)

Two Big Announcements for Another Donkey Design

2011-10-25T11:20:00.000+11:00

Today I have two big announcements for Another Donkey Design - one a little bit more life changing than the other - but both exciting nonetheless!

Firstly - the life changing news.... we are expecting another baby.

(My baby bump in Fiji in September)

Confession time - this is not actually new news. In fact I am more than just a little bit pregnant, I am actually 29 weeks pregnant today. Apologies for not sharing sooner, but for whatever reason, I have been putting off this announcement (except for those who I saw at the ABCD Sydney event last month - there was no hiding the secret there and not just because i was not drinking!) So that is the reason my little man is moving to a new Big Boy Room in the coming weeks - and on a side note the room is almost finished and i promise to share the photos when it is done. And before you ask - we are not finding out the sex beforehand - we are going to keep it a surprise like we did with our son.

Second announcement for the day (seems a little minor in comparison)- with only 2 months till Christmas - Another Donkey Design is having it's first ever facebook sale for Christmas gift tags, twine and other excess stock (the nesting is kicking in and i need to clear out the cupboards!). Sale will kick off at 8pm Wednesday 26th October 2011 (AEST) and will finish 8pm Friday 28th October 2011 (or until stocks last)
Some of the goodies on offer include:

Hope to see you all there!

The Animal Print Shop - even more awwww worthy

2011-10-21T09:06:00.000+11:00

Sharon Montrose of The Animal Print Shop (see my earlier post about them here) has just launched a new range "Little Darlings" prints. Totally cute - and totally awwww worthy.

Check out the full range of prints here

My Creative Space - Texta Box

2011-10-20T09:06:00.000+11:00

Inspired by Jane over at Life on Planet Baby and her beautifully transformed washi tape decorated cake tin post yesterday - I took to my sons texta box last night with a little bit of washi tape, scrapbooking paper and modge podge.

The original undecorated box - nice box but a little bit boring

Washi tape covered sides

The perfect paper for a little boy's texta box

Best part - the box was a recycled box from a set of magnets I bought from the $2 shop - so really, as I had everything on hand - it cost nothing!
Head over here for more Creative Spaces

Darling Quarter - Just in Time for Summer

2011-10-19T10:18:00.000+11:00

We are really very lucky to live in Sydney and I don't think I would ever want to live anywhere else (lucky for me my husband feels the same). But I must admit sometimes it is hard to come up with new places to entertain a 22 month old without costing an arm and a leg. So that was why I was so excited to hear the new Darling Quarter was now open - just in time for summer.

We headed down on Sunday mid morning on a beautiful clear spring day with enough heat in the sun to need sunscreen. It would appear the rest of Sydney had the same idea.

Despite the crowds - there was enough room and things to do for everyone including the 21m flying fox, giant ring swing, 3m high big slide, slide hill, 18.7m long balance rope course, jumbo swings, octonet (10m high climbing frame - which is seriously very high), pump stations, sand diggers, water scoops, water screw, water squirts - the list goes on. My little man loved the water and giant slide the best - and at only 22 months - there was heaps to keep him entertained. It is even great for kids even younger who just love to get wet and play with soft sand.

For those without children - it is still a great place to visit as there is a huge number of restaurants which have
opened up with lots of very comfy outdoor sitting to spend those summer afternoons and nights with a cool glass of white wine in your hand.
(PS I am not a huge fan of kids in sunglasses but he is going through a hating sun in the eyes phase and he wanted to wear them - whom am I to say no!)

Stationery Love - Beside that Willow Tree

2011-10-18T11:06:00.000+11:00

Loving this card by Beside that Willow Tree on Etsy

Missing you type card A6

Activities for Kids Round Up

2011-10-14T14:53:00.000+11:00

A round up of some great kids activities I have found around the web this week:

Ice-cube boats via El Hadade Papel

The Very Hungry Caterpillar printables via 1 Plus 1 Plus 1 Equals 1

Popsicle Puzzles via the Amazing Mess and
The Rigneys (image)

Portable Water Colours via Creative With Kids

Moonsand via Irresistible Ideas

For a round up of all my kiddie web-found activities - check our my Pinterest Board dedicated to DIY Kid Stuff and Activities.

Our plans for the weekend - who knows? The possibilities are endless!

Etsy Love - Subliminal Baby Messages

2011-10-14T09:54:00.000+11:00

Some Etsy love for this lovely Friday morning (lovely because it is Friday). These great 11x14 prints are produced by Sycamore Street Press and would look great individually or all lined up along a bedroom wall because who can really say when babies start to read!

Check out Sycamore Street Press on etsy or the web for multiple orders and other great prints

My Sweet Prints - Birthday Sale

2011-10-13T09:27:00.000+11:00

I have said it before, and I will say it again - I am a huge fan of My Sweet Prints and well, her sweet prints! They are great additions to any family home and have that perfect blend of cute - but not cute if you follow me. So why I am going on about them AGAIN - well Janette is celebrating My Sweet Prints 2nd birthday and but offering discounts on a selection of her prints (which also means a discount on postage for some prints). Get it quick though - the sale ends Friday 14th October at 5pm. (PS - these make great christmas presents too.

(I bought this one!)

Also - don't forget to follow My Sweet Prints on Facebook

Cookie Monster - mmmm cookies....

2011-10-12T14:01:00.000+11:00

Despite only watching Sesame Street occasionally (not because he only watches TV occasionally - more that we can only get him to watch something other than Nemo and Cars occasionally!) my son is a fan of the cookie monster and has taken to shoving rice in his mouth like the Cookie Monster (terrible table manners but very amusing). So in his honour - here is some great Cookie Monster goodness

Image from good morning and good night

Image via With Our Best

Image via The Meta Picture

Wordless Wednesday - A Lovely Surprise

2011-10-12T08:48:00.000+11:00

(with a little help from Dad)

For more Wordless Wednesday's head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Sock Toys by Craft Schmaft

2011-10-11T10:07:00.000+11:00

Apparently these sock toys can be made by kids from 8 years and older - so there is at least some hope for me. Created by Craft Schmaft (a fellow sydney sider)- these great patterns are available to purchase as a PDF instruction booklets - so they are great to have on hand for when those inevitable odd socks end up in the washing basket.

With Christmas coming up these toys would make some great presents for nieces and nephews.

PS - if you get in quick the Sausage Dog and Lil' Monster Patterns are on special for $9 (usually $16).

Weekend Activities for Kids

2011-10-07T14:07:00.000+11:00

Looking for something to do with the kids this (most likley rainy) weekend? Why not give one or all of these a go:

Mini work bench - image and details at Modern Parents Messy Kids

Little Monsters - image and details at Alisa Bourke

Pretend Makeup - image and details at Not so Ideal Hands (those $1 bins at the chemist full of dodgy coloured nail polish would be perfect for this one)

Some Here Fishy Fishy - image and details at Mini-Eco

Streets with Painters tape - image and details at Buggy and JellyBean

For a round up of all my kiddie web-found activities - check our my Pinterest Board dedicated to DIY Kid Stuff and Activities

Us? Well this weekend - I am off to the hairdresses and lunch - so there is no telling what my husband and son are going to get up to!

You? Would love to hear what you are getting up to this weekend.

yes please, thank you - Clocks and Calendars by West Elm

2011-10-07T09:29:00.000+11:00

What can I say - but yes please, thank you - West Elm (and yes they do ship to Australia)

Perpetual Calendar $33

Wood Mantle Clocks $38

Huge yes please thank you - particularly the calendar (thanks Design Milk for the heads up)

My Creative Space - My Son's new Big Boy Room

2011-10-06T08:53:00.000+11:00

My Creative Space this week is my sons new "Big Boy" bedroom. His new room used to be the study / office / spare bedroom / general dumping ground and it took me about 2 weeks to empty it out and find places for everything elsewhere in the house (side note - I currently can't find anything!) The bed has been sold on ebay and is due to go this week, the large white chest of drawers is listed on ebay (bargain starting price of $1.00 and ends tonight if anyone is interested). Next step - repaint the red wall back to a white blank canvas.

In the meantime I have been scouring Pinterest for inspiratioin for his room - and so far here is my inspiration:

Fish on the wall - image via Ohdeedoh - these are actually felt - but i think I will paint them on (and most likley hide a little nemo amongst the blue fish)

Whale and boat on the wall - image via Hola Mama

Some ever popular Ikea Spice Rack Bookshelves - image via here. And i quite like those hanging clouds too.

The play room / dining room is right next door so that means we don't need a lot of toy storage in the room. One problem solved.

For now we are going to keep him in his cot, but also have a trundle bed (i.e. super low bed) on the floor which will be great for reading books and will eventually become his big boy bed. So that means we need some cushions to make it super comfy! Stay tuned for what i can find / make in that department.

Artwork on the walls will be largely taken from his existing room (see previous blog post about them here) - plus this print I am yet to purchase off etsy by Gemini Studio

Whilst i get busy with some paint brushes - feel free to check out my Pinterest board dedicated to Kids Rooms here. And don't forget to check out lots more Creative Spaces over at Our Creative Spaces

DIY fun - Serving Pink Lemonade

2011-10-05T15:17:00.002+11:00

Thanks to the wonders of Pinterest (thanks Janette of My Sweet Prints for pinning this one!) I have discovered the wonderful blog of Serving Pink Lemonade. This great blog is the brainchild of Jeanine and Amy - two sisters who live on opposite sides of the country - but share a common love of activities to keep the kids busy and happy. And best of all - they offer great tutorials on how to make all the stuff too. And don't be fooled by the name - there is stuff for the little boys in your life too.

Some of my favourites (but there are way too many to list them all):

Travel car mat

Mini Take along barn

Dinosaur play mat

Felt Tools and Toolbox

and the best for last - Quiet Books including full templates and tutorials.

If you have kids and are crafty inclined (or have a granny that is!!!) - i cannot recommend enough that you check out Serving Pink Lemonade. And best of all - you don't need super fancy sewing abilities to do these tutorials.

Wordless Wednesday - settled in for a big weekend of sport

2011-10-05T09:50:00.001+11:00

For more wordless wednesdays or to play along - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love and The Little Drummer Boys

yes please, thank you - stamps by tara hogan

2011-10-04T13:37:00.000+11:00

I am just a little bit in love with these stamps by tara hogan

Stripes and Spots $35

Artic Stamp Set $50

Darling Dauschund Rubber Stamp $22

A Day in Paris Stamp Set $50

Lots of other designs in her etsy store.....and don't get me started on her letter press cards:

Elephants Letterpress Notecards $20 / 5

Weekend Activities for Kids

2011-09-30T09:12:00.000+10:00

Looking for something to do with the kids this (most likley rainy) long weekend? Why not give one or all of these a go:

1. Magnetic Popsicle Sticks - image and idea by Pure and Noble

2. Tissue Box Dinosaur feet - image and idea by a bird and a bean

3. Shape printing - image and idea by Kids Craft Weekly

4. Magnet Play Sets - image and idea by Chez Beeper Bebe

5. Shower curtain colouring in - image via Filth Wizardry and idea via My Little Gems

Last weekend we gave the sewing card a try - apparently this was a little too advanced for my son - but it did occupy my husband for five minutes after I showed him what to do with it!

This weekend - we are off the country to visit the family for the long weekend - so I see lots of walking in gumboots and feeding the cows. I would love to hear what you have planned for your little ones this weekend....

yes please, thank you - Paulova Ceramics

2011-09-29T15:58:00.000+10:00

I am in love with this super stylish super simple, scandinavian influenced ceramics by Paulova on Etsy.

sugar, salt & pepper set $105

sugar & creamer set $50

soy wax candle $30

spoonful of sugar. (aqua) $45

Lots of other designs and colours available in her Etsy store here

My Creative Space - Baby Shoes and ABC's

2011-09-29T09:19:00.000+10:00

If you checked out my "My Creative Space" last week (if you missed it you can catch it here) you will remember the sneak peak of the baby shoe framing I was doing for a friend. Well - believe it or not, I actually finished a project and as promised here is the result - fresh from Captain Morgan's room:

(Images coutesy of Sarah Allen (Captain Morg's mum))

In other Creative stuff this week - I made an ABC print for the play room wall. After much searching on Etsy and Pinterest (yes I have a whole board dedicated to ABC prints) - I finally found this great DIY by The Crafting Chicks - and totally copied it (not sure if that means it is not creative!). The best part - the total job (not including the frame which i had already at home) cost under $6. Bargain. And it was the perfect mix of pictures and text and not too cutesy.

In case you were wondering why I hung it so low - it was so it was the right height for my son to be able to see and touch and point to the pictures.

PS - the spray painting of the tin tool kit did not turn out so well- hence no photos of the finished product as promised. I think it had something to do with the fact that I was spray painting in the backyard in the dark!

For more creative spaces - head over to Our Creative Spaces

Wordless Wednesday - Checking Mummy's Work

2011-09-28T08:46:00.000+10:00

For more wordless wednesday's or to play along head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

(P.S. This lovely print is available from My Sweet Prints)

Like a kid in a candy store (for home decorators)

2011-09-27T10:47:00.000+10:00

What at first looks like a candy store - is in fact a light store where you can choose your own selection of coloured light balls - a candy store for the home decorators! La case de Cousin Paul is based in France - but the good news is - they ship worldwide - and the website is very user friendly in choosing your colours. These would look so great hung from the ceiling in a kids room - and the best part is you can totally customise it to suit your colour decor. Prices start at 22Euro for 20 balls.

All images via Oh Happy Day

Big thanks for Modern Parents Messy Kids for the heads up on Oh Happy Day's blog post

yes please, thank you - Boondie Baby

2011-09-26T12:58:00.000+10:00

Given they just reached 1000 likers on their facebook page - I may be a little behind the eight ball on this one - but felt the need to share none the less. A mother of three, Lauren - the face behind Boondie Baby creates homemade, one off products for sleeptime, playtime and feed times. And the best part - custom orders are super welcome meaning you can add to your already perfectly coordinated nursury themes (or not as the case may be!)

Some of my favs:

Activity Ball - complete with ball rattle, large button (safe for little ones as it is super sized), rope with beads perfect for teething and colourful taggies.

Burp Cloth packs for 2 and 3

Mini Fleecy Blanket - 63cm x 67cm

Be sure to check out her website and Made It Store - or if you are in VIC - check out her market dates here
(all images via Boondie Baby Website and made it store)

Weekend Activities for Kids

2011-09-23T14:40:00.001+10:00

Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? Why not give one or all of these a try:

1. Quick town map on some craft paper - via Holamama Blog

2. Recycled cardboard castle - via Chantal Vincent Art

3. Muffin tin colour sorting - via hart and sew

4. A dozen animal sewing cards via Chez Beeper Bebe

Us - we are hoping to make it to the newly opened Wild Life Sydney if the weather holds out.

Would love to hear what you have planned for your little ones this weekend....

PS - I am thinking of making this "Weekend Activities for Kids" a regular Friday blog post - what do you think?

Chalkboard Love

2011-09-23T10:05:00.000+10:00

I recently received a rather large order for my chalkboard gift tags - for use as wedding place cards. So with my nights spent chalkboard painting at the moment- it is somewhat on my mind. Here are some great other uses for chalkboard paint

1. Chalkboard baby food jars to store spices and small things via frugal decor mum

2. Games board table via Home and Hearth

3. Create some serious wall art via Project Nursury

4. DIY chalkboard banner via Momtastic

5. Placecards via One Lovely Day (shameless self promotion: the ones in my etsy store would be perfect for this!)

Have you used chalkboard paint recently for anything good?

You know it was a good day....

2011-09-22T11:17:00.000+10:00

So true for both children and adults!

You can buy this stamp here

My Creative Space - Baby Shoes and Metal Boxes

2011-09-22T09:22:00.000+10:00

If you have been reading my blog for a while now - you might remember this post here where I immortalised my son's first shoes in a not so bronzed kind of way.

Well - one of my besties has asked me to do her son's, and after his shoes sitting in my pantry for a month or so - I am finally getting them done (sorry Sar - nothing like a play date to put some pressure on!).
So here is my start. Matt has been cut, words have been stamped, now just the framing to go. Will show some pics of the finished product next week.

I also got creative in a spray can kind of way and have started re-vamping some metal tool boxes i picked up at a garage sale some months ago ($2.00 each!). I am spraying the orange rusted tin with a high gloss black. Photos of the finished product next week.

For more creative spaces or to play along head over to Our Creative Spaces

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:38:00.000+10:00

For more Wordless Wednesdays or to play along - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Fabric wall Decal - Roads....

2011-09-21T09:32:00.000+10:00

I am currently looking at new ideas for my son's up and coming "big boy" room and thinking I could combine this ribbon road tutorial with this iron on fabric wall decal tutorial to create a mini city on the wall..... Just think of the possibilities!

Ribbon road tutorial by Kinderpendent

Fabric wall decal tutorial by This Thrifty House

yes please, thank you - Wood Whale

2011-09-20T14:57:00.000+10:00

Not sure what it is about whales that gets me everytime - but this guy would look so good on my desk!

Each Wood Whale is hand-crafted in Michigan using reclaimed timbers and is available from The Utility Collective. If you want to see some pictues on how these whales come into being - check out the blog post here

Yes please, thank you

Wordless Wednesday - Fathers Day at the Aquarium

2011-09-07T09:53:00.000+10:00

For more wordless wednesdays or to play along - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Sewing Inspiration - Floor cushions and Pouches

2011-09-02T12:01:00.000+10:00

My trawling though Pinterest this morning lead me to these great DIY sewing tutorials and they are now high on my (very long) list of sewing projects to try.

Floor cushion DIY by "Living with Punks"

Sarah Jane's use of the tutorial. Thinking maybe one for the floor in the my son's new big boy room

iPhone pouch DIY by "made during quiet time". I am forever struggling to find my phone in my bag - this could be the answer.

Zipper pouch tutorial by twelve22. I am a little scared by zippers but this easy to follow tutorial makes it look super easy.

What creative projects have you got planned for the weekend?

yes please, thank you - Airplane Box Set

2011-09-01T14:16:00.000+10:00

This would be for my son... promise.... Ok - it would look super cute on the dining room / play room shelves as well

Available for $40 from MOMA

Thanks @swiss miss for the heads up

Yes Please Thank You!

Natural Grafitti - Moss

2011-08-30T15:20:00.000+10:00

After my efforts at trailing vines across a plain brick wall in our backyard failed, I am seriously considering this great idea for moss grafitti, maybe something along the lines of "Love, Laugh and Play".

Image via Crafting a Green World

Head over to Crafting a Green World for the how to (just need to find myself a few handfuls of moss).

Craft Storage - Pegs

2011-08-26T09:42:00.000+10:00

Looking for an easy way to store your yarn and embroidery floss? Pegs are a super cheap, yet super effective option. And if nothing else - the pictures are pretty!

Image via Heather J's Life

Image via Cosy Memories on Flikr

Image via Travel Food Art and Design

I do have a soft spot for pegs!

Connor Clark - a scottish illustrator

2011-08-25T11:58:00.000+10:00

It was this image that initally caught my attention on Pinterest...

And if you follow me on facebook, you will know it had me slightly confused. Intrigued I followed the links and came across the website of Connor Clark, a scottish illustrator, for which there is very little information available on the web. All I could find was this somewhat illusive interview by Underspray in 2006.

Anyway - his illustrations really touched a cord with me - "some" of my favourites below.

Highly recommend you check them all out here.

My Creative Space - Customised Engagement Peg It Ups

2011-08-25T09:14:00.000+10:00

This week I have been working on a custom order for my oldest friends engagement party coming up next week. Each washi Peg It Up is hand stamped with their names and the date of the proposal on the back, and will be used to display photos at the party.

I will try and get some shots of them in use to share with you soon.
(Self promotion plug: custom orders are always welcome at another donkey design - just email me at another.donkey.design@gmaildotcom with any questions!).
Head over to Our Creative Spaces to check out some more great projects this week or to play along

yes please, thank you - Sparkly Pony Tissue Holders

2011-08-23T09:26:00.000+10:00

Yes that's right - tissue holders. Not something I usually lust after - but seriously - these ones by Sparkly Pony on etsy are pretty cool (39.99).

Thanks swissmiss for the heads up

Yes Please, Thank You

yes please, thank you - Akanbe Folding Basket

2011-08-19T09:44:00.000+10:00

Love love love this Akanbe Folding Basket which converts to a rug - this would look so perfect in my living room as a place to store my little mans toys which inevitable get tipped out each day. Also great for a trip to the park, storing magazines, anything really!

Available from VivachiStyle for $128.50.

yes please, thank you

My Creative Space - Baby Toys

2011-08-18T09:52:00.000+10:00

Well I have had a bit of a break with the "My Creative Space" over the last few months, I have been playing with some things in the background, but nothing I have actually had a chance to photograph and write about. So when I had a baby shower coming up and got my hands on "Simple Sewing for Baby" by Lotta Jansdotter, I whipped up a few little projects to add that handmade touch to our present.

A Baby Giraffe Rattle (minus the rattle as i couldn't quite work that one out)

A Taggy Blanket.

As the book suggests, this is simple sewing, that even an amateur like me can handle!

For more creative spaces, or to play along, head over to Our Creative Spaces

Wordless Wednesday - Fish!

2011-08-17T08:51:00.000+10:00

For more beautiful Wordless Wednesday's or to play along - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

I want to make.... a whiteboard to do list

2011-08-16T11:53:00.000+10:00

This great idea comes courtesy of A Little Hut. Simply take one Ikea Tolsby Frame (currently available from ikea for only $1.99 for 2- Bargain!), insert a plain white card preferably with some decoration, find yourself a white board marker - and voila - you have a super sweet double sided "to do" list for your desk. Would look great as a reminder board on the kitchen bench too!

Get's me everytime!

2011-08-12T11:36:00.000+10:00

What is it about little kids in silly costumes that gets me everytime!

Image and how to instructions on Parents

Image via Tumblr

This one is more sweet than silly.

Available for purchase from sweetpeatoadtots on etsy

yes please, thank you

2011-08-11T14:01:00.000+10:00

Today I am starting a new reguar blogging post - my "yes please, thank you". These will be quick posts of things I find that I would love. I have been posting these as posts on my facebook page, but as I don't want anyone to miss out - thought i would start sharing them with my bloggy exclusive readers to.

So first off the rank - this beautiful burnt orange felted bag from Faint Impressions....

(images via Faint Impressions)

This one of a kind bag is available from Faint Impressions

Wordless Wednesday - Boys on the Land

2011-08-10T11:16:00.000+10:00

Head over to Faith Hope and A Whole Lotta Love for more Wordless Wednesdays and to play along.

Etsy Love Revisited - Blancucha

2011-08-10T09:02:00.000+10:00

Did you catch my etsy love post back in June on Blancucha and her beautiful prints perfect for both children's rooms and living rooms? Well in case you did - you can read it here.

If you did happen to catch it (and now you have no excuse really)- then you will no doubt recognise the prints on the wall of Kelly of Kelly Oshiro Design.

Image via Design Sponge. Click through to see more shots of this gorgeous interiors

You can purchase these prints from Blancucha's etsy store

Marbles and Cars - quick and easy ideas

2011-08-09T12:08:00.000+10:00

Couple of quick ideas (also easy and cheap!) to whip up when you little ones are getting under foot:

Marble Race Track by via Home Spun Threads

Marble Circus via Paris Bourke

DIY File Folder Parking Garages via Quirky Momma

And I just had to include this too cute one for when your little one is on the go and of course the cars must come too!

Via Whip Stick Fabrics

Cutest Cupboards Ever

2011-08-05T13:43:00.000+10:00

My tendancy would be to take a cupboard and fill it with as much shelving as possible, which I would then fill with junk i don't need to keep - but this adorable kiddie closet, via young house love - has made me rethink this philosophy.

(images above via Young House Love)

I love the little reading nook - but i might be tempted to put in some of these little ikea spice rack shelves too

(image via farm6 flikr)

Or you could of course go all out and loose the clothes and just make a reading cupboard:

(image via Original Little Hell Raiser)

Sewing Cards

2011-08-04T10:17:00.000+10:00

I remember sewing cards from when I was a little girl - but must admit I don't actually remember playing with them - which could well explain why I am only now just learning to sew!

Mini-eco has these great downloadable version here

Or for the more time pressured people - you can buy a pack of 6 super cute animals from House8810 here (includes yarn, needles and cards)

Wordless Wednesday - Enjoying the warm Sydney Weather

2011-08-03T09:44:00.000+10:00

Find more Wordless Wednesday's over at Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T09:38:00.000+10:00

For more Wordless Wednesdays - head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Sidewalk Chalk Paint - yes please

2011-07-01T09:52:00.000+10:00

Sometimes chalk alone is not enough to keep the kiddie's occupied - but add some water and you have hours (or at least hopefully 20 minutes) of fun!

Image via here

Receipe can be found here.
Thanks Modern Parents Messy Kids for the heads up!

Etsy Love - Blancucha

2011-06-24T10:49:00.000+10:00

Blanca Gómez is an illustrator and designer living and working in Madrid who sells her prints on etsy and also has a website displaying her full portfolio here. Her prints are perfect for both childrens rooms and my living room!

Monsieur set of four prints $75

In the..., set of three prints $75

Cities, set of three prints $75

Etsy Love - Eloise Renouf

2011-06-16T10:57:00.000+10:00

In my latest wanderings of Pinterest, I came across a print, which then lead me to, "I Heart Prints and Patterns Blog" and then finally to Eloise Renouf's etsy store. Eloise is a textile and stationery designer living in Nottingham, England, who spends her days running a stationery business with per partner Patrick and juggling commission work and he two lovely little boys. Sometimes there are prints that you just love - these are one of those!

I Love Clouds, limited edition giclee print $25

Passing Shower, limited edition giclee print $25

Autumn Leaves Grey, limited edition giclee print $25

Embroidery Flowers Placement Multi, limited edition giclee print $25

You can check out more of my etsy favs over on my Pinterest Board "Etsy Love"

Dreaming of Warmer Climates

2011-06-15T13:53:00.000+10:00

It is a little bit wild a woolly in Sydney at the moment, and I am still in denial that winter is actually upon us (maybe if I went shopping for some new gloves that might help!).
But for now I dream of warmer climates where the skies and blue and seas and sparkling.

Image via Sunsurfer

Image via Digital Photo Buzz

Image via Sunsurfer

Random Etsy Favs

2011-06-09T13:22:00.000+10:00

Well it has been a while since i have done some Random Etsy Favs - but here are two art prints that jumped out at me this week.

Bigger boat screen print in bright turquoise by Mengsel Design $65

The Duchess- Open Edition Print by Janet Hill Studio $44

I have also started a new board on Pinterst "etsy love" where I will be adding all my favs from etsy as I come across them.

Uncommon (but totally necessary) Goods

2011-06-07T14:36:00.000+10:00

I just came across this great website full of "uncommon" but totally necessary goods - Uncommon Goods! (Thanks @swissmiss for the heads up on the robot stencil!)

Some of my favs:

Robot Stencil Kit $10

Pee Pee Teepees $9.50 (if you have a son you will understand!)

Baby-Gami: Baby Wrapping for Beginners $10.00

Mom / Child Bag

So many other great, and better yet inexpensive gifts in store - check them out here. Only bugger is shipping to australia is not so inexpensive.

A 39 nine year old machine lives on

2011-06-03T14:32:00.000+10:00

So on Wednesday night this week I went to a "get to know your sewing machine" course at my local sewing centre (Chatswood Sewing Centre). After getting over my initial embarrassment that everyone had fancy new machines where you press one button and out pops a quilt, and I had my mum's Bernina circa 1970's - i got into the swing of things. We learnt everything from how to clean you machine, to changing needles, to filling bobbins - basically your ABC's of sewing machines. BUT - at the end of the class I was able to finish a row of sewing without a tangle in my bobbin case and i learnt how to heam a pair of jeans, a very important life lesson in my eyes! Only downer was the guy from the shop said if I used my machine again it would effectively blow up and never recover - so I had to leave it in for a service. Fingers crossed I can remember everything when I get my machine back.

Some projects I have my eye on once i get my machine back:

A quilt inspired by Alphabet Monkey - but i am thinking with fish and boats instead of clouds

Fabric Beach Balls by the purl bee

reversible bag - tutorial by very purple person

Cloudy Day Applique Tote Tutorial by Craft Snob

Watch this space for more sewing goodness to come! (you can also check out my pinterest board of sewing inspiration )

Apologies my bloggy friends

2011-05-25T09:53:00.000+10:00

(image via tinywhitedaisies)

Just wanted to drop in and let you all know i am still alive and kicking. I came down with an evil evil virus a couple of weeks ago now, and i am only just starting to feel like myself again (the stomach bug passed on by my son on the weekend didn't help matters!).
So I apologies for my lack of blogging, and also lack of visiting others people's blogs (I am to scared to look at my blog lovin account!). I am going to take the rest of the week off from blogging to totally get better and then fingers crossed, I will back with more lovelies, DIY's, and great finds to share with you next week.

(Image via real simple)

In the meantime - just had to share this great this idea to stop ice-cream drips - so simply and you could match the cupcake holders to your party styling!

Felt Car Play Mat / House

2011-05-11T16:18:00.000+10:00

I just had to share this great DIY Felt Car Play Mat / House Tutorial by Cook Clean Craft

Narelle makes this seem super easy - but the results are amazing.
I have my felt all ready to go - now just have to find a few spare hours to whip one up!

Wordless Wednesday - lawn mower envy

2011-05-11T08:52:00.000+10:00

For more wordless wednesday's head over to Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

Old School Fun Activiries

2011-05-10T10:34:00.000+10:00

Do you remember these "Paint with Water" books from when you were younger?

Or what about these Magic Slates?

I am loving re-discovering all these old school activities now that I have a legitimate reason to play with them again ie. my son

What old school fun activities do you remember from when you were younger?

Mother's Day - don't forget the wrapping

2011-05-06T15:07:00.000+10:00

With lots of presents to be wrapped for Mother's Day this Sunday in australia - here are some great wrapping inspiration ideas:

Image via Stamp 48

Image via Alisa Burke - lots of other great sticked ideas

Image via Planet Coco on Flikr

Image via Givers Log

Image via One Charming Party

For a load more ideas - I have a whole pinterest board dedicated to wrapping - you can check it out here. And for my mother - I did some extra special wrapping last night which I will post photos of next week